NBL1 South Women National Final Preview

Knox Raiders vs Cockburn Cougars

Sunday, August 31 – 11:00am, Court 1

The women’s championship game is set, and it is Knox Raiders against the undefeated Cockburn Cougars in a battle that brings together two very different stories.

Knox have shown their ability to win in multiple ways this weekend. They opened National Finals with a commanding display of offensive balance to dismantle NBL1 East champions Manly Warringah, then backed it up by grinding out a bruising defensive battle against Waverley. Alicia Froling has been the anchor, producing 20 points and 13 rebounds across 40 minutes in Saturday’s semi final, while Kristy Wallace, Kiera Glover and Agnes Emma-Nnopu gave the Raiders the composure and toughness needed to close it out. This group has already proven they can topple the unbeaten, ending Geelong’s flawless NBL1 South campaign in the Grand Final, and they now carry the belief and discipline to challenge Cockburn.

The Cougars, meanwhile, arrive with the weight of history and expectation. Their 29-point victory over Logan extended their season record to 25-0, an extraordinary mark built on depth, rebounding dominance and relentless two-way play. Jessie Edwards was a force inside with 27 points and 11 boards, Sarah Mortensen added her trademark scoring punch, and captain Jewel Williams set the tone as floor general. The Cougars have been untouchable in the West and have carried that dominance onto the national stage.

The NBL1 National Final sets up as a classic clash of styles. Knox will look to drag Cockburn into a half-court contest with their defensive edge and proven ability to handle pressure, while the Cougars will push the pace, attack the glass and spread the scoring load. One team is chasing perfection, the other has built a reputation on breaking it.

Can Knox’s discipline and defensive backbone deliver a historic upset, or will Cockburn complete their unbeaten season with the ultimate prize?

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